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You know, I just came back from Dominican. And tourists are offered stuff to buy there everywhere. I was not a tour visitor, I saw and talked to people in the jewellery business. And common term is "tourist grade" amber or larimar. I wasn't sure how to make you aware of this being a similiar situation in Russia as well. But luckily I came across this post and although it is 10 years old, it covers all the basics very well. Read it and pay attention to what conclusions the lady came to. I hope this helps- smart shopper is an educated shopper.What I Bought in Russia - Travel Message Board Forums - IndependentTraveler.com

wow...what a wonderful article JohnPF....this is what I look for in information on these forums....by the way....thanks for the turning me onto the Larimar info...as I did buy a small piece (spendy) but beautiful!

Maybe I could have saved you some money... at least 25% but than there is the shipping. Its all good.
I like Larimar a lot. It is my understanding that it don't sell very well on the net- people have to look at it in person to fully appreciate its beauty.
But I saw the whole boulders of it, cut in half and polished, just beautiful. Wholesale, a piece the size of a basketball, good blue color might be close to 4 grand down there and a lot more in US.

I'd say a slice. I won't know for at least a week, as I am sending a bunch of printed stuff there and than will disscuss stuf. And ask for more samples and also order some necklaces and possibly bracelets for my daughter and more. But I will have slices too. I did not want to overuse the hospitality while there, but I guess I could have had a lot more stuff already. Time was of essence, it was only a 4 day trip...

I'd say a slice. I won't know for at least a week, as I am sending a bunch of printed stuff there and than will disscuss stuf. And ask for more samples and also order some necklaces and possibly bracelets for my daughter and more. But I will have slices too. I did not want to overuse the hospitality while there, but I guess I could have had a lot more stuff already. Time was of essence, it was only a 4 day trip...

Sounds great, I used to have a slice of a blue agate geode, and I miss it! I displayed it in a window with some cobalt blue antique medicine bottles.

You know, I just came back from Dominican. And tourists are offered stuff to buy there everywhere. I was not a tour visitor, I saw and talked to people in the jewellery business. And common term is "tourist grade" amber or larimar. I wasn't sure how to make you aware of this being a similiar situation in Russia as well. But luckily I came across this post and although it is 10 years old, it covers all the basics very well. Read it and pay attention to what conclusions the lady came to. I hope this helps- smart shopper is an educated shopper.What I Bought in Russia - Travel Message Board Forums - IndependentTraveler.com

Thanks for finding that John! Interesting info. I'll look for some art and the lacquer boxes (if I have enough $$$).

Can you believe that person didn't buy the nesting dolls!!!
I'm getting those too.

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